Ajaccio, the sun-drenched capital of Corsica, is an ideal starting point for discovering the wonders of the island’s west coast. Among the most sought-after destinations is Girolata, a picturesque village accessible only by sea or on foot. With Cappai Croisières, explore the wild beauty of this region through unforgettable sea trips that reveal breathtaking landscapes, secluded coves, and rich marine biodiversity. Get ready to experience an exceptional maritime adventure departing from Ajaccio.
Your excursion begins at Ajaccio’s Tino Rossi harbour, a vibrant, lively place where excitement is in the air. Cappai Croisières boats are waiting for you, ready to take you on an unforgettable adventure. Comfortably seated, passengers can enjoy the first panoramic views of Ajaccio, with its imposing citadel and golden beaches. An early departure lets you admire the soft colours of sunrise over the Mediterranean.
Cappai Croisières boats are equipped for comfort and safety, with open deck areas to take in the views and shaded zones for relaxing. The crew—professional and welcoming—is there to ensure every passenger enjoys a pleasant, enriching day.
A few kilometres from Ajaccio lie the Sanguinaires Islands, an archipelago made up of four main islands. These islands are famous for their red rocks that take on a spectacular hue at sunset—hence their evocative name. Cruises often include a stop on Mezzu Mare, the largest island in the archipelago, where visitors can disembark and explore.
The island offers hiking trails leading to the lighthouse, from which you can admire a panoramic view over the Gulf of Ajaccio and the Mediterranean Sea. The sheltered coves around the islands are ideal for swimming and snorkeling. Crystal-clear waters reveal rich marine life, with colourful fish and fascinating corals. It’s an excellent introduction to the region’s natural beauty.
After leaving the Sanguinaires Islands, the boat sets course for the Scandola Nature Reserve. This UNESCO World Heritage-listed reserve is famous for its volcanic rock formations, steep cliffs, and crystal-clear waters. As you approach the reserve, passengers are amazed by the wild, untouched beauty of the landscapes.
Boat excursions allow you to enter sea caves, navigate between natural arches, and explore secluded beaches. Cappai Croisières guides—often passionate naturalists—share information about the region’s unique geology and exceptional biodiversity. Scandola’s waters are home to a wide variety of marine species, including fish, corals, and Posidonia seagrass meadows. Swimming and snorkeling stops are privileged moments to explore this rich, colourful marine ecosystem.
The Calanques of Piana: Breathtaking scenery
The Calanques of Piana, listed as a UNESCO World Heritage Site, are another natural gem to discover on sea trips with Cappai Croisières. Located between Ajaccio and Girolata, these rock formations offer spectacular landscapes of red cliffs plunging into turquoise waters. The Calanques of Piana are renowned for their wild beauty and unique geology, attracting nature lovers and photographers from around the world.
Boat excursions let you sail between cliffs, natural arches, and sea caves, offering stunning views of these impressive geological formations. Cappai Croisières guides explain how the calanques were formed through millions of years of erosion, and share anecdotes about local fauna and flora. The clear waters around the calanques are perfect for swimming and snorkeling, allowing you to explore seabeds teeming with life.
One of the highlights of the Calanques of Piana is the Capo Rosso Cave, a vast cavity accessible only by sea. Cappai Croisières boats approach the cave, giving passengers a close-up view of the rock formations and the play of light inside. The water in the cave is a deep blue, creating a striking contrast with the red and orange rocks.
The Calanques of Piana are also a paradise for hiking enthusiasts. Well-marked trails allow you to explore the cliff tops and enjoy panoramic views over the sea and the surrounding mountains. Hikes offer a different perspective on the calanques, revealing details that can’t be seen from the water.
Time spent exploring the Calanques of Piana is enhanced by the diversity of local wildlife and plant life. Visitors may spot ospreys, European shags, and peregrine falcons, as well as endemic plants adapted to the harsh cliff conditions. The ecological richness of the calanques is a testament to the preservation and sustainable management of this exceptional region.
With their natural beauty and geological importance, the Calanques of Piana are an unmissable stop on sea trips from Ajaccio to Girolata with Cappai Croisières. Whether by boat, snorkeling, or hiking, every visit to the calanques is an immersion in a breathtaking, preserved landscape—an unforgettable experience for lovers of nature and adventure.
The cruise continues to Girolata, a small fishing village accessible only by sea or via a steep hiking trail. Nestled in a sheltered bay, Girolata offers a picturesque setting with its stone houses, narrow lanes, and peaceful atmosphere. Once a refuge port for Genoese ships, the village is now a popular destination for its natural beauty and isolation.
Visitors can disembark and explore the village on foot, discovering its heritage and history. The Girolata fort, an old Genoese fortification, overlooks the bay and offers breathtaking views of the surroundings. Local restaurants serve Corsican specialties, fresh seafood, and traditional dishes, providing an authentic culinary experience. Girolata Beach, with its fine sand and calm waters, is perfect for swimming and relaxing.
Hidden beaches and secret coves
The return to Ajaccio often includes stops in secluded coves and secret beaches accessible only by boat. These hidden spots offer unmatched tranquility and natural beauty. Passengers can relax on golden sand, swim in turquoise waters, and explore the seabed while snorkeling.
Among the most remarkable beaches is Roccapina Beach, with its fine sand and the famous “Lion of Roccapina,” a natural rock formation shaped like a lion. The coves around Scandola and Girolata also offer spectacular scenery and crystal-clear waters ideal for swimming.
Sunsets over the Sanguinaires Islands
Sunsets over the Sanguinaires Islands are a magical, unmissable experience on a sea trip with Cappai Croisières. Located just a few kilometres from Ajaccio, these islands offer a dazzling natural spectacle as the sun dips into the Mediterranean, colouring the sky and rocks with flamboyant hues. The evening’s golden light transforms the granite cliffs into a living canvas of reds, oranges, and purples, creating an enchanting, romantic atmosphere.
Late-afternoon excursions allow visitors to enjoy this spectacle in ideal conditions. Sailing around the islands, passengers can watch the changing light over the rocks and waves, while the calm sea reflects the shifting colours of the sky. Cappai Croisières guides share fascinating information about the history and geology of the Sanguinaires Islands, enriching the visual experience with an educational dimension.
The islands themselves, with their spectacular rock formations and Mediterranean vegetation, add to the charm of the moment. The lighthouse on Mezzu Mare, perched on a cliff, becomes especially photogenic under the sunset light. For photographers, it’s a golden opportunity to capture stunning images of nature at its peak.
Moments spent watching the sunset over the Sanguinaires Islands are perfect for relaxation and reflection. Visitors can sip a glass of local wine while enjoying the beauty of the scenery, or simply let themselves be captivated by the tranquility and majesty of the place. Excursions often end with a peaceful return to Ajaccio, with the last rays of sunlight gently lighting the way.
Sea excursions from Ajaccio to Girolata with Cappai Croisières are a unique adventure, allowing you to discover exceptional natural sites and experience unforgettable moments. Whether you are a nature lover, a diving enthusiast, or simply looking to unwind, these sea trips offer a complete and enriching experience. Ajaccio, with its rich historical heritage, beautiful beaches, and crystal-clear waters, is the ideal starting point for this maritime adventure. Boat cruises to Girolata reveal hidden treasures and help you reconnect with nature in all its splendor. Get ready to embark on a day of discovery, relaxation, and natural beauty—and let yourself be enchanted by the charms of Corsica’s west coast.